Framing box for rectangular/square gable vents

[TravelingLight]

I’m driving myself crazy trying to figure this out so I must be missing something. Trying to figure out how to build the box for my gable vents on my gable end trusses. I haven’t gotten the vents so I can do any size I want (open to suggestions). Shed is 12x20, 20’ sides are the gable ends, 6/12 pitch, engineered trusses. The width between the two middle chords on the gable trusses is right at 20.75”. See picture for reference. Building is already framed out and gable ends are sheathed with OSB. Thanks.

ETA: sorry for the sideways picture, on mobile.

 

[matt_i]

I'd buy the vent first and have it in-hand before committing to sawing a rectangle thru the OSB. Then mark out the location. Then saw the OSB with a sawzall or circular saw. Then frame to the edge of the opening with 2x4s. It would be useful to use something like a Kreg Jig to "toenail" some torx drive screws in the 2x4s but its barely structural, you could really just screw thru the face of the OSB from the outside and into the 2X face.

Thinking about siding and flashing is always good when installing the vent. Although it sits mostly under cover there's always bound to be a sideways rain or condensation which will test this.

 

[HotrodHR]

This should be simple... the max width is the distance between the two vertical boards minus 2 times the width of the trim you plan to use. Height.wise you have plenty of room. Take the measurement and go find a vent at your local big box store or lumber supply.

 

[TravelingLight]

I'd buy the vent first and have it in-hand before committing to sawing a rectangle thru the OSB. Then mark out the location. Then saw the OSB with a sawzall or circular saw. Then frame to the edge of the opening with 2x4s. It would be useful to use something like a Kreg Jig to "toenail" some torx drive screws in the 2x4s but its barely structural, you could really just screw thru the face of the OSB from the outside and into the 2X face.

Thinking about siding and flashing is always good when installing the vent. Although it sits mostly under cover there's always bound to be a sideways rain or condensation which will test this.

Thanks! Since I’d ultimately like to do at least the final cuts with a router and trim bit with a guide bearing (as I cut out my windows), could I frame in the box with 2x4s on the inside of the gable truss and then cut it out with the router using the 2x4 box frame as the guide?

 

[Kaizen]

Are you doing ridge and standard eave vents? That is usually enough ventilation.
If not just plunge a blade and get it done. Going to be covered by some kind of siding so why be meticulous?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[TravelingLight]

Are you doing ridge and standard eave vents? That is usually enough ventilation.
If not just plunge a blade and get it done. Going to be covered by some kind of siding so why be meticulous?


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

Good points. Yep, doing 8’ ridge vent and vents in the soffit eaves.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

Good points. Yep, doing 8’ ridge vent and vents in the soffit eaves.

Then you don't need gable vents!

 

[matt_i]

I put a non functional gable-end vent on my shop just to break up the big expanse of vinyl. I think it was the right choice.

 

[Fatboy148]

In addition to your natural flowing ventilation, if you have power to the building, you may want to put a thermostatically controlled fan in the one end of the building away from your normal wind flow. If you wire a switch down near the other light switches to turn the fan on you can move some air/remove fumes while you are there.

I think they can still be found at your local big box store.

Something like this :

https://www.amazon.com/TPI-Corporation-CE12-DS-Exhaust-Diameter/dp/B00024JE6K/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=TPI+Corporation+Direct+Drive+Exhaust+Fan%2C+Shutter+Mounted&qid=1578276358&s=industrial&sr=1-3

Check out the Warehouse Deals.....


Nicely done....

I went to check my link and the unit in Warehouse Deals is GONE!

 

[Kaizen]

I put a non functional gable-end vent on my shop just to break up the big expanse of vinyl. I think it was the right choice.

I put a faux window to do the same. Just looks like it needs something


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[i4ni]

Your question is kind of vague. Are trying to figure out your gable overhang for soffit vent or are you wanting a decorative gable end vent?

 

[i4ni]

If your wanting a decorative gable vent have it on hand before you bother framing anything out.

 

[TravelingLight]

I put a non functional gable-end vent on my shop just to break up the big expanse of vinyl. I think it was the right choice.

I put a faux window to do the same. Just looks like it needs something


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

This is a great idea! I felt like it needed something otherwise it would look weird. And you can’t even see the back side so id only need one on the front. Is that a specific product or did you use a normal vent and it’s just non functioning?

 

[Falcon67]

As above - not needed. However, for a normal sized gable vent, you just need a hole. With OSB and trusses, there's no need for a frame because there is no loading. You can screw it right to the OSB and face frame it outside for pretty without any issues IMHO.

 

[i4ni]

I used Mid America Gable vents on my house and my dog kennel. They have the best selection of products including decorative only. I used them in addition to soffit and ridge vents and I definitely think they help.

 

[ItsNemo]

As above - not needed. However, for a normal sized gable vent, you just need a hole. With OSB and trusses, there's no need for a frame because there is no loading. You can screw it right to the OSB and face frame it outside for pretty without any issues IMHO.

Yeah, this is what I was thinking...what need to frame? You're screwing a sub 1 pound piece of likely plastic (or maybe wood?) into a hole...the OSB has plenty of strength to support that.

 

[AMCguy]

This is a great idea! I felt like it needed something otherwise it would look weird. And you can’t even see the back side so id only need one on the front. Is that a specific product or did you use a normal vent and it’s just non functioning?

I cut down a louvered bifold closet door to cover my gable vent opening. It just screwed to the gable uprights like in your picture.

Glenn

 

[Falcon67]

Yeah, this is what I was thinking...what need to frame? You're screwing a sub 1 pound piece of likely plastic (or maybe wood?) into a hole...the OSB has plenty of strength to support that.

Ones I used on my old shop were aluminum. I just sprayed them white before mounting to the hole cut into the siding (LP SmartSide on that building). I could see framing if the siding was just HardiPanel without anything behind it.